(The Aldo Rossi designed 8 cup French press for Alessi, through Lumens)

Ian Fleming, and his creation James Bond are very much on my mind these days. Fleming and I share a birthday, and tomorrow, the 28th, marks the centenary of Ian Fleming’s birth. Fleming (and therefore Bond) had their own brand of cigarettes. The Morland’s specials were a blend of Balkan and Turkish tobaccos and the filter carried three gold bands, indicative of Fleming’s (and Bond’s) rank of Commander in the Royal Navy. I can’t imagine anyone doing something like that these days.

Well, that’s not entirely true. My latest endeavor is developing a special blend of coffee for the house.

This began when I visited my local coffee shop/roaster for a pound of their “Stir Crazy” blend. As a member of their coffee club, the pound (my twelfth) was free. Now, I really like “Stir Crazy,” a blend of Brazilian Santos and French Roast, and so I asked the shopkeeper to mix me something I might like as much. We settled on a blend of 1/2 French Roast and 1/2 Sumatra, which I brew in my French Press to great results. The bold hit of French is softened by the smooth finish of the Sumatra.

I’m intrigued. Or as the perspicacious Mrs. E. puts it “obsessed…” She’s right. After all, I like the Stir Crazy blend just fine. But maybe 2/3 French and 1/3 Kenya AA…

Give it a try. Why settle for whatever comes in the vacuum bag at the local supermarket? Mix your own house blend. Me? I’m just starting to think about the bag….

(photo: Washington Post)

Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was originally called, is dedicated to remembering those who have given their last full measure. It began to honor those who died in the War Between the States, with both sides laying claim to its inception. After WWI, “The War to End All Wars,” Memorial Day was expanded to include all those who have died in the service of their Country.

Last Thursday, as they do every year, the 3rd U.S. Infantry conducted the “Flags In” ceremony placing small American flags on the graves of those buried in Arlington Cemetery, including my father’s, and will walk post for 24 hours a day through the weekend to ensure that each remains standing. It is the only day of the year that flags are permitted to be displayed on every grave.

The “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution (passed on Dec 2000) asks all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps’ ” at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.

“In Flanders Fields”, published during WWI, is perhaps the most eloquent elegy to the fallen of all wars. It is the poem that inspired the making and wearing of the paper poppies that were first sold to benefit servicemen in need and later to support war orphaned children and widows in France.

In Flanders Fields
John McCrae, 1915.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Monday, I will take a moment to gaze at my flag and say a silent “thank you” to the soldiers, sailors and Marines who volunteered to serve so that I have never had to.

It’s Memorial Day Weekend, which means that it’s time to change out the wardrobe for those summer only pieces that you’ve been itching to wear ever since the spring blossoms dropped their blanket of pollen over your car.

If you’re a rules driven person, it is now officially OK to wear:

Straw Hats

Seersucker Suits (From the excellent photo spread “An American in Shanghai” in this month’s GQ)

White or Cream Trousers and Jackets (or your white linen suit!)

(Polo by Ralph Lauren Linen Sportcoat on sale)

White Dinner Jackets not only in the tropics. (Image Bogart-Tribute.net)

The Spectator or Correspondent Shoe (Crockett & Jones through Ben Silver)

Or White Bucks (with red rubber soles… through O’Connell’s Clothing because that’s the only place I could find them on the web)

And of course, your madras ties (from Polo) — or madras in general….

Don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen….